Share this entry

Wondering what’s hot in gardening for the new year? We’ve compiled some of the new year’s trends from top gardening experts for you so that you can start 2018 off right. Happy planting!

Multi-Purpose Outdoor Spaces

Because much of the world’s population lives in cities and suburbs, where space is at a minimum, designers are constantly asked to design small space gardens that serve various functions. People are using their outdoor areas as a place to unwind in nature and also to entertain guests. Furnishings like concrete fire pits are great because they have multiple uses; they serve as extra seating and a place to set drinks when unlit, and a cozy place to gather when lit.

When working with a small outdoor space, sectioning off smaller spaces for different uses helps you get the most out of it. For example, you can create a warm and inviting eating area by placing potted plants around a small seating area.

Climate-Tolerant Plants

According to Garden Media Group’s 2018 Garden Trends Report, climate-resistant plants are increasingly popular since the last 16 years have seen their fair share of extreme weather conditions. Excessive heat, intense rainstorms, heavy winds, and major floods have wreaked havoc on plant life in various areas. For these reasons, many are planting hardy foliage that will best withstand the weather in their area. For example, in the desert and drought climate of California, low-water plants like agave, fennel, date palms, and poppies may be the best bet, while in cold and windy areas like Chicago, Illinois, evergreen trees and lavender (as well as other plants with flexible stems) will withstand the driving winds. Freeze-proof plants for colder climates include blue spruce, ferns, and hosta plants.

Indoor Green Spaces

Gone are the days of houseplants—the latest gardening trend is creating mini house gardens. Think about the calm that you get from a stroll in nature; why not create the same effect indoors? When it comes to creating your indoor garden, the sky’s the limit. Cluster potted plants in one area, use hanging planters and shelves to bring plants up to eye level, place them in surprising places like the shower or build your own vertical garden on any wall space. And not only will the greenery add a touch of organic beauty, color, and texture to your design, but it will also improve the air quality (plants are natural air filters!) as well as your mental health!

This indoor gardening phenomenon is becoming so popular, especially among millennials who are looking to de-stress and disconnect from technology, that they are creating living and working spaces surrounded with greenery to help clear their mind and connect them to nature.

Edible Gardens

With the “farm to table” movement in full force, people are looking for food they can count on to be as organic and chemical-free as possible. Enter edible gardens. Whether you are planting in a small plot of garden space, a raised bed, or a kitchen countertop or window box, you can benefit from growing your own herbs, vegetables, and other edible greenery. And since many are turning to a plant-based lifestyle, they are looking for more ways to keep a large supply of fresh greens and vegetables at their disposal, specifically protein-rich plants like edamame, quinoa, spinach, kale, and millet. Planters, hanging baskets, trellises, and vertical gardens can all be used to create a garden full of plants worth eating. Bon appétit!

Vibrant Violet

From acai to black rice to purple asparagus, shades of violet are getting their day in the sun. And since Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2018 is Ultra Violet, this enigmatic hue is finding its way into gardens more and more these days. But the purple trend doesn’t stop at plants; violet-colored planters and garden decorations in this vibrant shade are being used more and more, as they provide a pop of color and a natural color complement to lush greenery.

Want to incorporate some purple into your garden design? Here are some plants to try:

Lavender

Irises

Bellflowers

Catmint

Salvia

Grape hyacinth

Eggplant

Turnips

Purple cauliflower

Figs

Plums

Red onions

Swiss chard

How Will Your Garden Grow in 2018?

Ready to try some of these garden trends? Let us help! We have tons of home and garden products to get you started for the new year ahead. Call us toll-free at 1-800-896-0978 or visit us at www.HooksandLattice.com.